Pronunciation: [ɹˈʌnəz ˈʌp] (IPA) 
The phrase "runners up" is often used to refer to the second-place finishers in a competition. The correct spelling of this phrase is "runners-up," with a hyphen between the two words. The phonetic transcription of this phrase would be /ˈrʌnərz ʌp/, with the stress on the first syllable of "runners." It's important to use the correct spelling and pronunciation of words to ensure clear communication and understanding.
"Runners up" is the plural form of the noun "runner-up." It refers to individuals or teams who finished in second place or after the winner in a competition, race, contest, or any event with a ranking or scoring system.
A runner-up is someone who falls just short of obtaining the first position or the ultimate victory but achieves a notable position nonetheless. The term is widely used in various sporting events such as tennis, football, athletics, or even beauty pageants where contestants are ranked based on their performances or scores. In team sports, the runners-up often refer to the team that competes against the winner in the final match or round.
In addition to sports, the term "runners up" can also be applied to different domains such as academic competitions, creative arts contests, talent shows, and business awards. It acknowledges the accomplishments and achievements of those who reached the second position and recognizes their skills, efforts, and abilities, even if they did not secure the topmost place. Being a runner-up is often considered a commendable accomplishment as it demonstrates excellence and distinguishes individuals or teams from other participants. Runners-up can take pride in their performance, as it signifies their high level of competence and often leads to future opportunities for success.
The term "runners-up" originated from the sport of running and has evolved to be applied in various contexts beyond athletics. The word "runner" originally referred to someone who ran, and "up" in this context means position or direction (e.g., going up the ladder). The phrase "runners-up" is used to describe the individuals or teams who finish in second place in a competition or contest. The word "runners-up" is formed by combining "runners" in the plural form and "up" to denote the positioning.
